CHP cracking down on DUIs over holiday weekend

California Highway Patrol officials say additional officers will be working around the clock over the holiday weekend, targeting drunken drivers and assisting motorists in need.

Officers in Merced County begin the so-called maximum enforcement period around 6 p.m. Friday and will continue their efforts through Monday night, Officer Moises Onsurez said.

Authorities expect heavier traffic on the roadways over Labor Day weekend as residents try to squeeze in a final trip before the traditional end of summer.

Forty-nine people died in California over Labor Day weekend in 2014 and 2013. Thirteen of the people killed in CHP jurisdiction in 2014 were not wearing seat belts, the CHP reported.

Last year, CHP officers made more than 1,100 arrests for driving under the influence.

Motorists are encouraged to call 911 if they spot a suspected drunken driver.

“Be prepared to assist the dispatcher by giving a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location and direction of travel,” officers said in a news release. “Before you call, be aware of your surroundings, especially streets, highways, directions, city or nearest town where you are calling. That phone call may help save someone’s life.”

This story was originally published September 4, 2015 at 3:35 PM with the headline "CHP cracking down on DUIs over holiday weekend."